Big star cinema to make a comeback next year but small surprises crucial

Dear reader, as 2025, a year of global tumult and volatility, rolls by, Mint's reporters and columnists look around the corner on what is coming in 2026—to help you know what to expect and prepare for it. Tell us what you think at [email protected].Superstar hits and mid-budget flicks alike lit up Indian cinemas in 2025, proving that viewers flock to theatres regardless of scale or star value, and raising hopes of an encore in the coming year.While trade experts expect 2025 to close with collections of ₹13,000-13,500 crore across languages, about 10-14% higher than the previous year, the failure of films such as War 2 and Sikandar featuring big stars, and franchise films like Thamma, signals that big names alone aren't enough.That said, surprise hits such as Chhaava, Saiyaara and Tere Ishk Mein, along with the breakout numbers of industries like Gujarati, Marathi and Malayalam, underscore the growing space for all kinds of content in theatres, unlike the perception built immediately after the pandemic when only larger-than-life titles were finding draw in cinemas.Devang Sampat, managing director of Cinepolis India, identified three highlights of the year.

"First, 2025 has demonstrated that India is not merely recovering from the pandemic years but actively expanding its cinema-going base. Second, the success of regional and mid-budget films has reduced dependence on a narrow set of Hindi blockbusters.

Gujarati, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Assamese films have all delivered consistent business, helping theatres maintain momentum even when one language segment slows. Third, audience behaviour is shifting in encouraging ways.